The Best Summer Travel Outfits for Your Next Trip

I like to travel light (with just a
carry-on bag if I can!)
so I’m aiming to put together a
summer travel capsule wardrobe
that will have me looking stylish and ready for every occasion. That means the
best travel outfits to get me through long sightseeing days or a short road
trip, cute Instagram-worthy opportunities, and versatile enough to transition
from a beach day to a nice dinner out.

This post will guide you through selecting the best summer travel
outfits, offering practical tips on essential clothing items, footwear, and
accessories to ensure you accentuate your personal style and feel your
best. 

I like to pack mostly pants and dresses for walking around. One
comfortable choice is wide-leg trousers or linen pants paired with white
sneakers and a short-sleeve top. This is a great option for travel to a new
city where you might be visiting museums, parks, and religious or cultural
centres and want to look pulled together and dressed appropriately for the
right places.

Similarly, a two-piece outfit with a matching set of
top and skirt or shorts (they’re on trend these days!) or a flowy dress will
have you looking cute and comfortable. As a tourist, have a bit of fun with
your summer capsule wardrobe and wear outfits you might not normally wear at
home. 

I love to wear dresses in brighter colors in the summer time and accent with
simple jewelry. A sleeveless midi dress will keep you cool. Opt for a
breathable cotton and top it with a cropped cardigan or shrug for an extra
layer.

Comfort and Practicality

When it comes to the world of summer travel outfits, comfort and practicality
should be your top priority. There is nothing that ruins a vacation faster
than feeling hot, sticky, and uncomfortable, am I right??

Breathable
fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials are perfect for
keeping you cool and comfortable in hot weather. These fabrics allow air to
circulate, reducing the risk of overheating and making long days of walking or
exploring so much more pleasant.

I’m a huge fan of
moisture-wicking clothing like the AIRism collection from Uniqlo. The material
feels smooth and silky and it works quickly to absorb or disperse sweat.
Adventure brands like Mountain Warehouse and Columbia also carry pretty
breathable dresses and shorts so you can stay cool and not compromise on
style.

Airplane Travel Outfit

You’ll also want to consider what you’ll be wearing on the plane or on long
travel days. For short flights, shorts or skirts with bare legs might be fine.
But we are creatures of comfort so a long flight requires clothing that is
loose, cozy, non-restrictive. The longer your flight, the more comfortable
you’ll want to dress. That doesn’t mean you need to look dumpy. Fashionable
fliers know that stylish athleisure wear is the way to go.

Even in
summer, planes can get cold so you’ll want to have layers to keep you warm.
Soft pants, socks, a comfy t-shirt, and a long-sleeve zip-up hoodie or
open-front cardigan for when you’re feeling chilled are a great choice. Leave
the high-waisted pants or tight fitting shirt for later in your trip – you’ll
want clothes you can sleep and sit in comfortably for those long-haul flights.
Leggings, joggers, pants with a bit of stretch or comfort waistbands are well
suited for travel days.

Essential Summer Travel Clothing Items

When it comes to curating the perfect summer travel wardrobe, selecting the
right clothing items is key to ensuring comfort, versatility, and style
throughout your trip. Essential summer travel clothing items, such as
versatile tops, comfortable bottoms, chic dresses, jumpsuits, and practical
swimwear, and practical footwear can make packing a breeze and outfit planning
effortless.

There’s a few rules I abide by when selecting the
pieces that make it into my suitcase:

1. Stick to 3 or 4 colors so you can mix and match pieces. Having lots
   of color in your wardrobe may lead to overpacking. By bringing fewer
   pieces in black, white, and a neutral beige or grey, you can easily create
   enough different outfits for a two or three week trip.
2. Avoid dry clean only fabrics. Chances are you might have a clothing
   mishap or spill something on yourself while you’re off on your adventures.
   You don’t want to ruin a blouse early in your trip and not be able to wear
   it until you get to the dry cleaners – back home.
3. Don’t bring a one-time use outfit (unless you have a very specific
   occasion you need it for). While it would be wonderful to wear a two-piece satin dress, your
   favourite stilettos, and sequin clutch purse for a romantic dinner along
   the Seine, those items will just sit in your luggage for the majority of
   the trip. Conversely, women’s sweatsuits might the comfiest choice for the
   plane ride but will prove to be a bulky outfit you don’t want to lug
   around. Save the luggage space for versatile clothing that can be used for
   different looks.

Packing List for a Two Week Vacation

Planning on a two-week vacation? Your itinerary might include a mix of of
sightseeing, dinners out, a beach day, and museum visits so you’ll want a
versatile wardrobe that offers both comfort and style. Here’s a suggested
packing list to help you cover all your activities without overpacking:

Tops

• 3-4 Lightweight T-Shirts: Keep these neutral and easy to mix and match.
• 2-3 Tank Tops: Great for layering under a cardigan or wearing alone in hot
  weather. I also like
  tank tops with built in bras
  for even fewer layers
• 2-3 Blouses or Dressy Tops: Suitable for dinners out or more polished
  looks. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are ideal.
• 1 Lightweight Cardigan: For layering in cooler evenings or air-conditioned
  places.

Bottoms

• 2-3 Pairs of Shorts or Capris: Comfortable for sightseeing and casual
  outings.
• 1-2 Skirts: Versatile for both day and night, especially in breathable
  fabrics.
• 1-2 Pair of Pants: Linen or cotton pants are great for cooler days or more
  conservative settings.
• 1 Pair of Jeans: For cooler weather or casual evenings.

Dresses and Jumpsuits

• 2-3 Casual Dresses: Sundresses that can be dressed up or down.
• 1 Dressy Dress or Jumpsuit: For dinner out or special occasions.

Swimwear

• 2 Swimsuits: One for beach/pool and one spare.
• 1 Cover-Up: Lightweight and stylish for transitioning between beach and
  other activities.

Footwear

• 1 Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for sightseeing and long
  days. My favourite for extended walking or running is the
  New Balance X880 –
  you feel like you’re walking on a cloud!
• 1 Pair of Sandals or Heels: For dinners out or dressier occasions.
• 1 Pair of Casual Shoes or Flip-Flops: For the beach and casual outings.

Make sure all of your shoes are cushioned, supportive, and broken-in well
before your trip!

Outerwear and Accessories

• 1 Lightweight Jacket:
  For cooler evenings or unexpected weather.
• 1 Hat: For sun protection.
• Sunglasses: Essential for eye protection.
• 1 Crossbody Bag:
  Practical for day trips and sightseeing.
• 1 Tote Bag or
  small backpack:
  Great for the beach or shopping.
• 1
  foldable duffel bag:
  For those instances when you absolutely need to bring home a souvenir and
  have no room left in your luggage

Travel Capsule Wardrobe